News
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donates dates to government
The government yesterday took delivery of 2,500 cartons of dates presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for onward distribution to selected Muslim communities across the country.
The annual gesture, indicative of the long standing relationship between Ghana and Saudi Arabia, is to help Muslims replenish their lost energies in the holy period of Ramadan.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ghana, Meshal Hamdan Al-Rogi, handed over the gift which is the eighth donation to be presented to Ghana.
In a brief remark, Mr Al-Rogi, conveyed to government the compliments of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the custodian of the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia, through whose benevolence the donation was made possible.
The Ambassador recounted the existing bond of friendship between both countries which had culminated into strong cultural and economic ties to the benefit of citizens in diverse ways.
According to him, the date fruit which remained Saudi’s most treasured natural resource serves not only as food to beneficiaries but had medicinal value to boost one’s health.
“The fruit is encouraged to be eaten prior to the breaking of the Ramadan fast because it is a natural energy booster, contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and a rich taste to not only help Muslims replenish their lost energies but also benefit all Ghanaians across the religious divide,” he said.
Receiving the gift, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Mohammed Habibu Tijani was grateful for the donation “considering the fact that dates are a national symbol of Saudi Arabia and also because it was personally from the custodian of the two Holy Mosques; King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.”
He noted that the Saudi government had over the years demonstrated trust and commitment in its relationship and dealings with Ghana.
“Due to the energy qualities of dates, its consumption during the month of Ramadan is very important and we appreciate the donation.
“We also acknowledge many other contributions made to other vital sectors of the country’s development, most importantly, health, education, energy, road, mosques and many more in the Muslim dominated communities,” Mr Tijani noted.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
